Bioactive Compounds from the Roots of Asiasarum Heterotropoides

In the 2013 study, researchers identified a new tetrahydrofuran lignan and 21 known compounds from the roots of Asiasarum heterotropoides. Fourteen of these compounds were isolated from this species for the first time. The compounds underwent in vitro assays to test for anticancer activities. Two specific compounds, identified as 5 and 7, significantly inhibited the growth of A549 lung cancer cells, reduced nitric oxide production, downregulated FOXP3 expression, and inhibited HIF-1α transcriptional activity, all without affecting normal cells. These results indicate that compounds 5 and 7 have potential as anticancer agents, especially against lung cancer. The study was supported by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine.